Renovation permits and contractor licences in North Carolina

Trades that need a licence in North Carolina

• General contracting and renovation

  A general contractor must be licensed by the state once the project reaches the value the Board sets, so ask for the licence number before you sign. Licences come in classifications, such as Building Contractor and Residential Contractor, and in limits that cap the value of a single project.

  Sources:NC Licensing Board for General Contractors – Consumer FAQ⁠(opens in a new tab)NC Licensing Board for General Contractors – Classifications and limitations⁠(opens in a new tab)

• Electrical work

  Electrical contracting requires a licence from the electrical board: no person or business may engage, or offer to engage, in that business without one. Licences are issued in limited, intermediate and unlimited classifications, which cap the value of a project the holder may take on.

  Sources:NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors – Licensing law (G.S. 87-43)⁠(opens in a new tab)

• Plumbing

  Plumbing, heating and fuel piping contractors are licensed by their own state board, in separate classes for plumbing and for each heating group. Each place of business of a licensed firm must have at least one listed qualified individual on active duty to supervise and direct all licensed work.

  Sources:NC Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors – Applicant information⁠(opens in a new tab)

Before you hire a contractor in North Carolina

Practical checks you can do yourself, using official tools where they exist.

1. 1

   Get proof that your general contractor is licensed, and check the licence with the Board before you sign.

   Official lookup: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors – Consumer FAQ⁠(opens in a new tab)

2. 2

   Check that the licence classification and limit cover the work and the value of your project.

   Official lookup: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors – Classifications and limitations⁠(opens in a new tab)

3. 3

   For electrical work, confirm the contractor holds a licence from the electrical board.

   Official lookup: NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors⁠(opens in a new tab)

4. 4

   For plumbing or heating work, check the contractor's licence class with the plumbing and heating board.

   Official lookup: NC Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors – Applicant information⁠(opens in a new tab)

5. 5

   Ask your city or county inspections department which permits your project needs before work starts.

6. 6

   Confirm the contractor's licence and insurance with your state or county government, and get the work, materials and price in writing.

   Official lookup: FTC – How to avoid a home improvement scam⁠(opens in a new tab)